Better Stock Today: Vanguard Natural Resources vs. Apple

In the spirit of World Cup competition, we're holding our own tournament in search of the Better Stock Today. We're pitting 32 companies against each other, and you, the reader, will determine the winner.

Vanguard Natural Resources takes on Apple for this first round-robin match up in our search for the better stock today.

Joel South, energy analyst at The Motley Fool, thinks Vanguard Natural Resources is a better investment today because of its mouthwatering yield and increasing payouts. In fact, since 2007, Vanguard Natural Resources has increased its distribution by 48%, and with de-risked mature assets, unitholders are getting their fill of Vanguard's 8.2% distribution yield.

Tech analyst Max Macaluso believes that one of the top reasons to be an Apple bull comes down to the company's growth potential and its foray into some of the tech sector's hottest new markets. While some investors have questioned Apple's ability to innovate over the past few years, the company looks poised to not only release a new iPhone, but it has also entered the Internet of Things and wearables spaces with its HomeKit and HealthKit tools. In addition, its dividend, strong balance sheet, and strategy to grow its core business also make this a stock a stock to be enthusiastic about today.

Warren Buffett vs. his worst nightmare Warren Buffett just called this emerging technology a "real threat" to his biggest cash cow. While Buffett shakes in his billionaire boots, only a few investors are embracing this new market, which experts say will be worth over $2 trillion. It won't be long before everyone on Wall Street wises up, and that's why The Motley Fool is releasing this timely investor alert. Click here to learn more about what's keeping Buffett up at night and the one public company we're calling the brains behind the technology.

Vote here to determine the winner of this match, and sound off in the comments. Check back to Fool.com to see who advances in the tournament.